Road trips have their own unique charm, from piling the whole family into the car for Thanksgiving, to heading to the beach with your college friends for spring break. But, wherever you're going and whoever you're going with—a great trip requires great preparation. If you're hoping to head out yourself, where do you begin with road trip planning?
If you're not already planning to go to a specific place, you first need to choose a destination. If what you really want are the sights and experiences of being on the road, we’ve got a few suggestions. Once you’ve picked the journey, the next step is planning for the trip itself. Forgetting even one step can lead to disaster (like running out of snacks). So, be sure to review this checklist before so you can set out with confidence and curiosity.
Our ultimate road trip travel guide and checklist make this process easy for you. We’ve spelled out the steps in a simple way, and have included recommendations for all the best luggage, bags, and accessories ideal for road tripping. Prep smart and be flexible, and even the most spontaneous road trips can be smooth and efficient.
Best Road Trip Travel Destinations
You might already have plans to go to Grandma and Grandpa’s house or a friend’s wedding. On the other hand, if the journey matters more than the destination, we’ve put together a road trip travel list of some of the most iconic places to drive.
The Great Northern Road Trip
Travel the entire northern part of the United States with a road trip along US Highway 2. Start in Seattle, where you can join the other tourists to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the Space Needle and fish market. Following the highway east, you’ll reach the incomparable Glacier National Park in Kalispell, Montana. Keep going through the state and into North Dakota, home of Fort Totten, one of the country’s best-preserved military forts, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, home to wild horses, and painted hills.
Your next stop is Duluth, Minnesota, widely known as one of the most underappreciated parts of the Midwest. Right on Lake Superior, Duluth is home to the Great Lakes Aquarium, and the Aerial Lift Bridge, which was the United States’ first transporter bridge. Then on to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, and take a slight detour around Lake Superior. From there, Continue to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Here, you'll have to abandon your car and hop on a ferry, so, pack up your backpack, passport (yep, you'll be leaving the country) and get ready to adventure on foot. The Passport Holder is perfect to keep all your essentials close and at the ready for any adventure across the border!
You’ll leave the USA for a bit at this point and visit Canada’s national capital in Ottawa, Ontario. Explore the beauty of European influences in North America at your next stop in Montreal, Quebec, where you might want to brush up on your French to fit in like a local. Then it’s back across the US border to Burlington, Vermont, the home of beautiful Lake Champlain and birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s. Soak up the vibrant American history, local crafts, and produce, all while enjoying a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream flavor! Visit Santa’s Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire, then end your trek at Acadia National Park in Maine for stunning views paired with an iconic lobster roll.
Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
This 469-mile road trip is the ultimate choice for beautiful American scenery. The path follows the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and takes you through two of the country’s most popular national parks. Named “America’s Favorite Drive,” the route connects Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park with North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway’s milepost zero through 106 is the ridge region, a prime spot for hikers and long-distance views of the Humpback Rocks. Early into the drive, visit the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests for fishing, camping, hiking, and beach activities. The Outdoor Backpack 26L is a great option to have on hand for your trip, as it’s versatile and sturdy enough for any outdoor activity; from packing a picnic to toting your fishing gear.
The plateau region runs from mile 106 to 217 and passes through Roanoke Valley and into the state recreational area of Virginia’s Explore Park. You’ll find hiking, disc golf, zip lines, paddling, and tent sites here. After a day of fun, head through the highlands region from milepost 217 to 340, where you’ll cross into North Carolina. This is where the Blue Ridge Parkway first started, and it has a little something for everyone, including a picnic area and nearly 30 miles of hiking trails with views of Cumberland Knob and the Gully Creek waterfalls.
The trip’s last leg is the Pisgah region of North Carolina, with so much to do. Visit the Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell State Park, the Folk Art Center, Pisgah National Forest, or the top of Chimney Rock. This route also includes Brevard, which is the center of Transylvania County, known for more than 250 waterfalls–so, queue up TLC on your music app. As you continue to head south out of Brevard and towards milepost 469, you’ll reach the end of your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. This also marks the beginning of the Great Smoky National Park, which is home to some of the highest peaks on the east coast.
Take a Road Trip on Route 66
US Route 66 is one of the best-known roads in the country due to the classic TV show and song of the same name. Plus, kids will appreciate that Lightning McQueen from the animated movie "Cars" was lost in the fictional town of Radiator Springs along this route.
The Route 66 road trip starts in Chicago (going east to west), and ends near Santa Monica, California. The road totals 2,448 miles, and you’ll travel through eight different states:
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Illinois
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Missouri
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Kansas
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Oklahoma
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Texas
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New Mexico
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Arizona
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California
You'll drive several hundred miles through each state. The only exception is Kansas, which the route only crosses for 13 miles, so don’t blink or you’ll miss it.
Travelers take this trip in RVs, buses, autos, and even motorcycles. Throw The Outdoor Duffle 55L in your camper and set out for a truly iconic experience of Americana. Or, if you’re brave enough to hop on your hog and hit the open road, The Outdoor Backpack 26L is the perfect companion.
If you want to get a feel for how every state has its own culture, this is a great way to do it. You’ll definitely notice a vibe shift as you progress west. Route 66 is often called the Main Street of America and features more than 250 bridges, buildings, and sites that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. Along the way, you can also find seemingly unlimited mom-and-pop motels, stunning scenery, quirky tourist attractions, vintage gas stations, diners, and historic sites galore.
How To Plan a Road Trip
These are just three of the many great road trips through the country. Whether you pick one or have your own trip in mind, preparation is essential. To make sure you get where you're going with ease and enjoy yourself along the way, have your most organized passenger create an itinerary, and follow these steps.
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Ready your car by making sure it's inspected and in good condition to make the journey
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Book a pet sitter or make sure to pack for your furry companion as well. (The Pet Carrier makes it easy to bring your passenger princess wherever you go and even has latches that can fasten it to a car seat belt!)
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Put a hold on your mail, or ask someone to keep an eye on your house and mailbox
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Give your indoor plants a sip of water before heading out the door
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Empty your fridge and take your trash out
What and How To Pack For a Road Trip
There are three considerations when packing for a road trip: your vehicle, your luggage, and everyone’s needs if you’re traveling with others.
Road Trip Travel Essentials for the Car
We hope that your road trip goes off without a hitch, but it’s better safe than sorry. Here’s a quick checklist to keep in the trunk to be prepared for any emergency:
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Car charger
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Jumper cables
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Flashlight
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First aid kit
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Antifreeze
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Duct tape
Road Trip Travel Guide for Yourself
You’ve got the car ready to go; now it’s time to pack for yourself. Packing for a road trip has things in common with packing for any trip, but various travel accessories are even more beneficial.
We’ll start with electronics. Make sure you have any video game consoles, tablets, or e-readers charged and ready to go, and don’t forget their cords. It’s always a good idea to have a portable charger on hand.
If you’re traveling with others, there may be times you want to check out and have a minute to yourself. That can be hard in a car full of people. Bring some headphones (noise canceling if you have them) so you can listen to your music, podcasts, or books when you need a break.
When you're traveling across the country at different times of the day, expect the sun to be in your eyes at random times. Pack one or two pairs of sunglasses to minimize the glare.
One downside to a road trip is the frequent bathroom stops. However, it's important to always stay hydrated while traveling, so bring refillable water bottles. Because it's easy to forget to eat and drink regularly when you’re traveling nonstop, pack snacks as well to refill your stomach along with the gas tank.
What is the Best Bag to Pack for a Road Trip
When choosing a bag for a road trip, think about trip length, available car space, and how often you’ll need to access your items. Unlike air travel, road trips give you more flexibility, so prioritize bags that are easy to pack, durable, and simple to grab from the trunk or backseat. Consider organization, capacity, and maneuverability to keep everything accessible and stress-free while on the move.
For road trips, the right luggage should maximize packing space without taking over your trunk—and the Topside Bigger Carry-On is designed to do exactly that. With its compact footprint and spacious interior, it fits easily alongside coolers, backpacks, and other road-trip essentials while still offering enough room for several days of outfits and gear. Its top-opening design is especially convenient on the road, giving you quick access to your belongings without needing to fully unzip and lay the suitcase flat. Whether you’re grabbing a sweatshirt during a rest stop or unpacking in a cozy hotel room with limited floor space, the Topside Bigger Carry-On makes life on the road feel effortless and organized.
Pair the Topside Bigger Carry-On with the PackAway™ Carry-On Closet for an even more organized road-trip setup. Designed to fit seamlessly inside your suitcase, the PackAway Carry-On Closet makes unpacking from stop to stop incredibly simple—no digging through packing cubes or living out of a messy duffel bag. Its collapsible shelves keep outfits, shoes, and essentials neatly separated, so you can transition from the car to a hotel room, cabin, or Airbnb in minutes. On a road trip where every stop is different, the PackAway Carry-On Closet helps keep your belongings accessible, organized, and ready for whatever the next destination brings.
What Clothes to Pack for a Road Trip
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Comfortable clothing: Go for your favorite layers that you can wear more than once.
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Lightweight jacket: Long road trips mean changing climates, so be prepared with cozy outerwear.
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Shoes: Bring one pair for outdoor activities and another for in the car, and maybe a nicer pair for formal activities.
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Socks and personal items: Include extra if you plan to do any outdoor activities as they’ll likely get wet, dirty, or both
How To Entertain Kids on a Road Trip
Road trips with kids can be some of the most memorable family adventures—as long as you come prepared. Before you hit the road, double-check that car seats are properly installed, securely buckled, and up to date. Then focus on the key to a smoother drive: keeping kids comfortable, entertained, and organized throughout the journey.
Create an easy-to-reach activity setup by packing books, coloring supplies, travel games, headphones, and favorite toys in the Kids Backpack. Sized perfectly for little travelers, it gives kids a fun sense of independence while keeping their road-trip essentials within arm’s reach. For smaller items like crayons, snacks, stickers, charging cords, and travel toiletries, the Kids Pouch Set helps keep everything neatly organized so you’re not constantly searching through the car for missing items.
When it comes to snacks and road-trip essentials, preparation goes a long way. Pack a cooler with healthy snacks and drinks to minimize extra stops, and keep baby wipes and hand sanitizer nearby for quick cleanups on the go. It’s also smart to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and children’s medications in case of headaches, allergies, or unexpected colds during your travels. With the right organization and a few kid-friendly travel essentials, long hours in the car can feel far less stressful—and a lot more fun for everyone.
How To Prepare for a Long Drive
A successful road trip starts long before you pull out of the driveway. Before hitting the road, map out your route and save must-see landmarks, scenic stops, restaurants, and hotels in your GPS so navigation feels seamless throughout the journey. It’s also smart to check weather forecasts, traffic conditions, and potential construction delays ahead of time so you can adjust your plans if needed and avoid unnecessary stress on the road.
Equally important is preparing yourself for long hours behind the wheel. Get a full night’s sleep before departure to stay alert and energized, especially if you’ll be driving long distances over multiple days. Plan regular rest stops along the way so everyone has time to stretch, hydrate, grab a meal, and recharge before getting back in the car. Packing snacks, water bottles, chargers, and travel essentials within easy reach can also help make the drive more comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish.
Road Trip Travel Checklist
Make sure you have everything you need before you hit the road. If you've packed all of the following items, you’re off to a good start.
Road Trip Travel Accessories and Essentials
The best road trip accessories are the ones that keep your car, suitcase, and daily routine feeling organized from the first mile to the last. Start with the basics: toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, skincare, makeup, hygiene items, and a shaving kit. If you’re bringing jewelry, the Featherlight Jewelry Roll helps keep necklaces, earrings, and rings neatly stored and easy to find when you arrive.
Keep your most important travel documents close by with a Zip Card Case or Travel Wallet, so your ID, credit cards, and other essentials are always within reach. For electronics, The Large Tech Case is ideal for organizing chargers, cords, earbuds, adapters, and other small devices before they get tangled with everyone else’s gear. If you’re traveling with a laptop, pack it in a protective sleeve or dedicated road trip bag to help keep it safe between stops.
For shoes, a packable Featherlight Tote keeps pairs separate from clean clothes, which is especially helpful after hikes, beach days, or rainy rest stops. The Dry Bag Duo is another smart addition for road trips, giving you a convenient place to store wet swimsuits, workout clothes, or spill-prone essentials without affecting the rest of your luggage. To protect sunglasses or reading glasses while traveling, the Travel Glasses Case keeps eyewear secure and easy to grab from the car console, tote bag, or suitcase pocket. Finally, bring an easy-access bag like one of the pouches in our Pouch Duo for the little things you’ll reach for constantly—lip balm, keys, headphones, hand sanitizer, and snacks. With the right travel accessories, everything has a place, making your road trip feel smoother, cleaner, and more comfortable.
What To Put in Your Road Trip Travel Kit
Equip your car with a basic travel kit for the road so you have on hand everything you need:
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Important documents: You may need to bring a passport or birth certificate, depending on where your travels take you. And, double check you have your proof of insurance and registration.
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Medication: Along with a basic first aid kit, keep prescription medicines on your person if possible.
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Motion sickness medication: Car sickness is common on road trips, so be prepared.
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Cash: Most places take credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some money stashed safely.
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Entertainment: This can include books, crossword puzzles, video game consoles, card games, and iPads.
Road Trip Travel Bags and Suitcases
The right luggage can make every part of a road trip feel more organized, comfortable, and efficient—and Away’s travel collection is designed with exactly that in mind. From spacious suitcases that simplify family packing to lightweight duffles and compact carry-ons that maximize trunk space, there’s a solution for every type of traveler and every kind of itinerary. Thoughtfully designed compartments, travel accessories, and organizational essentials help keep everything accessible, even during long days on the road or quick overnight stops.
As travelers ourselves, we know that smart packing can completely change the road-trip experience. When space is limited and you’re constantly moving from one destination to the next, durable luggage and functional travel accessories make staying organized significantly easier. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a cross-country adventure, or a family vacation, Away’s collection is built to help you travel more smoothly wherever the road takes you.